Email Security

To keep your email secure, know how to properly respond to the following electronic threats:

Request for your Unity ID or password

  • Such an email request is always fraudulent. It’s a “phishing” attempt.
  • Do not respond to it in any way.
  • 1. Instead, in Gmail, open the message.
    2. At the top-right corner of the message,
    click on the More icon (three vertical dots).
    3. From the list that opens,
    select Report Phishing.
  • Legitimate OIT personnel will never ask for your password for any reason.

Attachment

  • Viruses and similar electronic threats are emailed widely, very often as attachments.
  • Don’t open any attachment unless:
    • It came from someone you know, and
    • You are certain that it was actually sent by that person.

Link inside a message

Clicking on a link inside a malicious email message can do one or more of the following:

  • Direct you to a website that entices you to enter personal information that can be exploited, such as a password.
  • Download a program that
    • extracts sensitive information from your computer,
    • records every keystroke you make,
    • uses your machine as a “slave” to send virus-infected email, or
    • monopolizes your processing power.

Malicious script

If a malicious script is embedded in an email message, merely opening that message can compromise your computer. The script will be activated even though you don’t click on a link or open an attachment.

For additional information, see: